Restaurant Reviews
Glad to Be in Gladstone: Gladstone Tavern
July 20, 2017
Opened 11 years ago by Tom Carlin, Gladstone Tavern has earned a devoted following.
Shopper’s Wharf in Bay Head, wrecked by Sandy, has been reinvented as Charlie’s of Bay Head. Charlie’s has a big-time bar scene and an offbeat seafood menu.
A Wolf’s Den You Want In On: Villalobos in Montclair
July 13, 2017
Adam Rose’s imagination, fine palate and respect for tradition make his ‘house of wolves’ a leader in modern Mexican.
Shore Spot Has It Nailed: The Rusty Nail in Cape May
June 29, 2017
Across from the beach in Cape May, the fire pit at the Rusty Nail burns nightly, adding to the appeal of the frozen cocktails and moderately-priced seafood.
Destination Dogs offers an array of themed hot dogs and gonzo toppings, 34 in all, not to mention sides like something called patatas ridiculas.
Chef Ethan Oh named his restaurant Tenderhill for the foothills of the nearby Cushetunk Mountain and for one of the attributes of his eclectic modern food.
Regional Italian at ITA101
June 15, 2017
At ITA 101, his BYO in Medford, chef Kevin Maher steers clear of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm and the like in order to expose diners to Italian regional specialties.
Regular visits to his native China convinced Leo Le to turn up the heat and authenticity on China’s most popular and influential
cuisine—spicy, potent, complex Szechuan.
A quick-serve juice and burrito bar in Haddonfield’s historic downtown, Animo has earned a following for its healthy, all-natural menu.
Interacting with the warm and gracious staff is one of the pleasures of eating Caribbean specialties at Morgan’s.
Bánh Mi Plus Bubble Tea: Saigon Cafe in Millburn
May 25, 2017
The bánh mi sandwiches at Saigon Café in Millburn are the main attraction. But so are the acai bowls, mango pudding and bubble teas.
Visiting Barrow House, a relatively new gastropub in Clifton, we were charmed by the strikingly different looks of the several rooms.
Jamie Knott, gifted chef of the Saddle River Inn, unleashes his ‘ripped jeans and T-shirt’ side in a hipster boîte that handily outperforms the norm.
The Criniti family opened Di’Nics in West Collingswood Heights in 1999 to give South Jersey some cheesesteak authenticity.
Rai Rai Ramen in North Brunswick was closed nearly a year after a fire. When it reopened, its customers returned in force.
Upscale tavern favorites in a spacious, modern dining room.
Alive With the Sound of Munching: The Hills in Millburn
April 20, 2017
The Hills is a new gastropub in Millburn that is proving popular with locals. Our reviewer calls the burger chuck/short rib/brisket burger “great.”
Yokohama Sushi is flanked by ethnic eateries in downtown Somerville. Takeout is a popular option at this casual restaurant serving rolls and hibachi dinners.
Escaping Shore Traffic: 72 Degrees
April 12, 2017
In spring and summer, traffic on Route 72 in Manahawkin backs up with cars approaching the causeway to Long Beach Island. The Italian restaurant 72 Degrees provides a respite.
Venerated, Reinvigorated: The Ryland Inn
April 6, 2017
Forming a top-flight team, an accomplished chef and an astute general manager return one of the state's most honored marquees to destination status.